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As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Published on February 2, 2024

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With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.

Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive. 

If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.

The 26 largest yachts in the world

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: our ranking methodology.

A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.

Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.

26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m

Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world . 

With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.

25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m

Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas . 

Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.

24. Serene | 439 feet—134m

Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week. 

Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.

23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m

Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022. 

Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter. 

22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m

Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities. 

Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.

21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m

Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want. 

The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.

20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m

The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York. 

She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym , a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.

19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m

Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design. 

Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. 

18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m

Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea. 

That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.

17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m

Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights. 

Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion. 

16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m

Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine. 

She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.

15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m

Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout. 

He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.

14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m

Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard. 

She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.

13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m

Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made. 

12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m

El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines. 

She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.

11. OK | 479 feet—146m

Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey. 

The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.

10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m 

Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard. 

The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces. 

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m

The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property. 

She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.

8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m

What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later. 

Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.

7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m

Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra. 

Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size. 

6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m

Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world. 

She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m

Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable. 

Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.

4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m

Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name. 

The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.

3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m

It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through. 

The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.

2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m

Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht. 

While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.

1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m

Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off. 

Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.

The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world are:

• Azzam—590 feet
• Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
• Eclipse—533 feet
• Dubai—531 feet
• Blue—527 feet
• Dilbar—511 feet
• Al Said —508 feet
• A+—483 feet
• Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
• Opera—480 feet
• OK—479 feet
• El Mahrousa—478 feet
• Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
• Nord—465 feet
• Yas—463 feet
• Ocean Victory—460 feet
• Scheherazade —459 feet
• Solaris—458 feet
• Al Salamah—457 feet
• Rising Sun—454 feet
• Flying Fox—446 feet
• Savarona—446 feet
• Crescent—445 feet
• Serene —439 feet
• Al Mirqab—436 feet
• Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet

The most expensive yacht in the world

The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion. 

Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list. 

She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts

The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .

At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.

The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .

The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.

In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.

About the author

Emma Treagus

Women’s fashion & travel editor.

A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.

Learn more about Emma Treagus

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These Are the 5 Biggest Superyachts in the World

By Brett Berk

Yachts, as with most other things connected to the ultrarich—apartments, shopping sprees, bank accounts—are getting bigger. And while price, nautically speaking, usually scales with size, that’s not always the case. So there’s, oddly enough, less overlap between this list and our recent list of the  World’s Most Expensive Superyachts than one might expect.

There are reasons behind this. Interestingly, some of the biggest superyachts in the world have become so stunningly large that they can no longer maintain status as belonging to a single family or dynasty. The largest ones have become condominiums or charterable research vessels—playthings for the ultrawealthy.

Still, superyachts offer a kind of privacy that it is nearly impossible to come by on land. Pencil towers have entrances on public streets and elevators with other residents. Even a castle surrounded by a moat is in view, comparatively. A superyacht, on the other hand, is essentially a private island, an oasis. So as long as the rich keep getting richer, the yachts will keep getting bigger. For now, these are the five biggest superyachts in the world.

5. Eclipse (533 ft)

In 2010, as  Eclipse sailed out of the Hamburg harbor, where it was constructed by notable German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, it was the world’s largest ship. In the intervening decade or so, it’s slid to the fifth position. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—whose ties to Putin have caused him to be sanctioned—it allegedly traded hands last year, though this may be simply a dodge to avoid it being seized. Features of the $600 million Terence Disdale–designed ship include 17 staterooms, a 185-foot deck on the massive primary suite, a gym, a spa, an immense swimming pool, and a half-dozen on-board tenders for shuttling guests in and out of port and excursions. If those don’t suffice, there is also a helicopter pad with room for three choppers.

4. Fulk Al Salamah (538 ft)

Like many superyachts, ownership and much else about Fulk Al Salamah —Ship of Peace—is unclear. It is suspected that it belongs to the Omani royal family, a part of their fleet of extortionately expensive conveyances. Built by Mariotti in Genoa in 2016 and designed by local team Studio de Jorio, it contains a beach club (a swim platform, often with a pool and lounge area), beauty salon, and a sizable helicopter deck, though it’s unclear if this deck has room for more choppers than the Eclipse, despite its additional five feet of overall length.

3. Azzam (597 ft)

Azzam holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago. Designed by Nauta of Milan with interiors by French decorator Christophe Leoni, the ship is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayah. Prominent features include Empire-style furnishings and interiors, and a pair of massive diesel engines coupled with a pair of gas turbines, allowing high-speed travel and an immense range between refuelings. The Sheikh must be somewhat paranoid—or have good reason to fear attack—because the yacht also includes a high tech security system including a missile system and bulletproof master suite.

2. REV Ocean (600 ft)

The acronym in this giant yacht’s title stands for Research and Expedition Vessel, and this $350 million ship is outfitted to do just that. Groups that charter it head out to sea and use its state of the art scientific equipment to dive into trenches in its transparent-domed submersibles, arrange whale pod viewings in its helicopters, conduct seabed mapping and coring with its sonar and drilling systems, view documentaries in its 35-person theater, and even listen in on or record the conversations of ocean mammals with its underwater hydrophone. Funded by the Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, designed in Norway by Espen Øino, and built by Norwegian constructor Vard, it is slated to be completed in 2024. Over 100 groups applied for the maiden voyage, with preference given for scientific research and conservation missions—54 scientists can be accommodated onboard. Though it seems that private charters with the proper scientific supervision may also be allowed. Any profits made by chartering are returned to the funder’s One Healthy Ocean initiative.

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1. Somnio (728ft)

Referred to as the world’s first yacht liner, this floating giant—the name is Latin for dream—combines features of a superyacht, a cruise ship, and a condominium. Under construction by the Norwegian ship-building company Vard, with an expected completion date in the middle of 2024, the $600 million project will feature 39 private residences designed by Winch and Tilberg, both of Sweden. Each will include bespoke features including a gym, kitchen, library, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Of course, apartments, which start in the eight-figure range, are available by invite only. Both the owners list and the planned route at sea are closely guarded secrets.

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RANKED: The 17 biggest private luxury yachts in the world

17. savarona — 124 metres / 408 feet. we begin with a beautiful 1937 yacht made for american heiress emily roebling cadwalader. it was bought by turkey as a presidential yacht, and in 1989 had a $35 million (£24 million) refurbishment..

16. Katara — 124 metres / 408 feet. A superyacht with a mysterious origin, the Katara apparently has a Qatari flag when it docks. Boat International thinks it belongs to the new young emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

15. Maryah — 125 metres / 410 feet. Built in Poland in 1991 as a Russian research vessel, the yacht was redesigned in the UK for luxury, and can accommodate? 54 passengers.

14. Octopus — 126 metres / 414 feet. Owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, this massive yacht spends most of its time moored in Antibes, France, and even has a helicopter landing pad.

13. Al Mirqab — 133 metres / 437 feet. The Al Mirqab won the Motor Yacht of the Year award at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009 and reportedly has a top speed of 20 knots.

12. Serene — 134 metres / 439 feet. Built in 2011 for a Russain owner under a veil of secrecy, little is known about the Serene, except that she's the largest yacht ever launched into Italian waters where it was built.

11. Rising Sun — 138 metres / 453 feet. Originally built for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, he eventually sold it to music mogul David Geffen in 2010.

10. Al Salamah — 139 metres / 457 feet. The Al Salmah had a codename of "Mipos" during construction, short for "Mission Possible." It's one of the many superyachts once owned by Saudi royalty on this list, in this instance Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.

9. Ocean Victory — 140 metres / 459 feet. Another entry with a super-secret background (notice a trend?) the Ocean Victory supposedly has seven decks, six swimming pools and a "floodable garage" at its base.

8. Yas — 141 metres / 463 feet. With a facade that wouldn't be out of place on Star Trek, the Yas was launched in 2011 by holding company Abu Dhabi MAR using repurposed steel from a Dutch navy vessel. Its owner is unknown.

7. El Horriya — 146 metres / 478 feet. The boat was built in 1865 for an Ottoman governor. It was the world's largest yacht for 119 years before the next entry took the title.

6. Prince Abdulaziz — 147 metres / 482 feet. The Royal Yacht of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. It reportedly cost $184 million (£126 million) in 1984. An interior lobby is said to be based on the design of the Titanic.

5. Topaz — 147 metres / 483 feet. Constructed in Berlin, the Topaz was launched in 2012 and cost $527 million (£361 million) to build. It has a gym, cinema, jacuzzi and conference room.

4. Al Saïd — 155 metres / 509 feet. Built in 2006 for the Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Al Saïd has the highest water displacement of any on the list at 15,850 tonnes. It also has a concert hall that can accommodate? a 50-strong orchestra.

3. Dubai — 162 metres / 532 feet. This gigantic yacht was commissioned by Prince Jefri of Brunei in 1996 and is currently owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Apart from the usual luxuries, the Dubai also has a 21 metre wide atrium to impress the 24 capacity guests staying overnight.

2. Eclipse — 162.5 metres / 533 feet. The world's second-biggest superyacht was launched in 2009 at a reported cost of $500 million (£342 million) for Russian billionaire and Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich. It takes an annual voyage to the Caribbean to take passengers back to Abramovich's home in St Barth's.

1. Azzam — 180 metres / 591 feet. Built by German company Lürssen Yachts, who made six of the top ten entries, the world's biggest private superyacth has an unknown owner, though many speculate it belongs to the royal family of Abu Dhabi. It cost an estimated $600 million (£411 million) and supposedly houses a submarine with its own missile defence system.

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• Lurssen Yachts

On the 5th April 2013 Lürssen, the leading shipyard for large luxury yacht building, launched the 180m yacht AZZAM - the largest motor yacht in the world. The sleek and elegant superyacht features exterior design by Nauta Design.

Fulk Al Salamah

• Mariotti Yachts

This 164-metre (538ft) superyacht was built in Italy by Mariotti Yachts and now sits in the Omani capital as part of the royal fleet. The Italian built superyacht is currently the second largest privately owned yacht in the world, after Lurssen's Azzam.

• Blohm + Voss

Roman Abramovich's yacht Eclipse has received a huge amount of industry attention, not just for its size but for the celebrity of its owner. Eclipse is the largest and most expensive superyacht ever built. When initially ordered she was estimated to cost approximately £330million, by the time she was delivered however, her overall costs were closer to the £1billion mark due to the extra luxury fittings and security measures required by her owner. With a crew of up to 60, Eclipse is a giant of the sea. She was the fourth superyacht comissioned by Abramovich.

• Platinum Yachts

This magnificent yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was suspended in 1998 and the vessel left unfinished until HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum secured the rumoured $300 million project. Platinum Yachts took the mega yacht to completion and in 2006 launched Dubai to become the world’s largest private yacht. Today however, Dubai is the second largest privately owned yacht in the world.

Launched in February 2022, Project Blue is Lurssen's latest secretive yacht project. With little revealed about her specifications and designers, her expansive size was confirmed by the German shipyard following her launch: an incredible 160m. Project Blue will be Lurssen's second-largest superyacht, and is due to be delivered in 2023. She was recently spotted in Bremerhaven, Germany, making her way out to sea for her maiden sea trial. She is expected to have a beam of 21m, and a gross tonnage of 15,320 GT. Her other specifications are currently unknown.

Originally known as Project Omar, the 156 metre superyacht Dilbar was launched in 2016 after over 4 years of construction. A favourite with yachtspotters worldwide, Dilbar is considered the largest superyacht in the world by volume.

Like most royal superyachts, little is known about Al Said, a giant mega yacht formerly codenamed "Project Sunflower". She was delivered to the Sultan of Oman in 2008 as a replacement for a smaller mega yacht of the same name. At a stunning 155m, Al Said consists of six large decks and features striking exterior and interior design by Espen Oeino International, the same company that designed the stunning 127m mega yacht Octopus. According to reports, Al Said is said to accommodate as many as 70 guests and 154 professional crew, as well as featuring a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra.

When construction of A+ (formerly named Topaz) first began she was forecast to be the 4th largest yacht in the world and to measure approximately 147m (482’3’’ft). Having left her floating shed at the Lürssen shipyard located in Bremen, Germany, she is now ready to claim that mantle and undergo the final phases of construction.

Prince Abdulaziz

• Helsingor Vaerft

As one of the yachts of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Abdulaziz is used to conduct official business as well as for pleasure. The largest yacht built in the 20th century, the interior alone took 15 months to complete. Originally built for the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who named the yacht after his son, it is now owned by his brother Abddullah.

Very little is known about Lurssen's mysterious superyacht OPERA. At 146m, the superyacht will be the sixth largest yacht Lurssen has built at the time of her launch in September 2022. OPERA was first spotted in May 2021 when she transported to the yard's Bremen outfitting facilities in Germany.

El Mahrousa

• Samuda Bros.

This Egyptian presidential yacht is not only one of the world’s largest but also one of the oldest. Built in 1865 in London, the yacht was intended for the King of Egypt. Originally named Mahroussa, El Horriya was extended in 1872 and again in 1905.  Nowadays she is berthed in Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy.

Developed by German shipyard Lürssen, construction of Project Luminance is underway at their facilities near Lemwerder. Due to enter the esteemed list of the Top 10 largest superyachts in the world, information about the 145m superyacht is limited at this moment in time. Lürssen are world-famous for their incredible innovations and their capacity to build extremely large mega yachts filled with numerous features. Photos that have been captured of the boat indicate that she will have considerable deck space with plenty of room left over indoors to be packed out with luxury.

SAILING YACHT A

Sailing Yacht A is a highly unique vessel, with an LOA of 142.81m. She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with a number of unique features, including an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and premium navigation systems. Her three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. Her futuristic design was created by Philippe Starck, her smooth silver-metallic surfaces challenging the expectations of conventional aesthetics.

As one of the most well-known builders of Top 100 yachts, Lurssen's NORD (formerly Opus and Redwood) has been highly anticipated as one of the largest ever to launch from the German yard. Also the largest project set to launch in 2020, at 142m, she will accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 cabins and was designed by Nuvolari Lenard.

• ADMShipyards

The 141m superyacht Swift141, now christened 'Yas', was successfully launched by ADMShipyards in November 2011; entering the record books as both the largest launch of 2011 and most significant superyacht in recent history. ADMShipyards, members of Privinvest, has proudly announced the launch of their first superyacht. At 141 meters, this stunning private yacht ranks as the sixth largest superyacht in the world.

• Lloyd Werft

Project Solaris is the revolutionary explorer yacht built by German masters of engineering Lloyd Werft. Topping off the yard's record for ultra large luxury yacht build, Project Solaris is an estimated 139m+ explorer yacht at the German giant's shed.

Scheherezade

As with most yachts in construction at Lurssen, little is known about this 140m project. We do not yet know the designer or architect, but she has been spotted moving around the build-hall. Her sightings have lead yacht spotters on the docks of the yard to aptly name her 'Project Lightning.' We hope to see her launch towards the end of 2019.

Ocean Victory

• Fincantieri Yachts

The largest yacht ever built in Italy and one of the ten largest in the world, Fincantieri has announced the successful delivery of Project Victory - a 140 metre superyacht launched in 2014 - under the official name of Ocean Victory.

Code named as Mipos (short for Mission Possible) during her construction, Al Salamah belongs to Saudi Arabian Defence Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Kept a great secret, rumours tell that she has over 80 rooms, a helipad, and an indoor swimming pool complete with glass roof. A real working wonder, this yacht was completed in 1999 after only two years.

Owned by media bigwig David Geffen, Rising Sun is rumoured to have been commissioned by Ellison specifically to be larger than Paul Allen’s Octopus. This 2004 yacht is spread over five decks and is equipped with everything from Jacuzzi bathrooms and wine cellars to a top deck basketball court.

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Despite the pandemic, the superyacht world continues to welcome new entries. These are the world’s biggest yachts by length.

Even in a pandemic, the size of the global superyacht fleet keeps on growing. The top 25 largest yachts in the world now total a combined 11,849 feet, with the smallest yacht on the list,  Maryah , measuring a whopping 410 feet. Built by shipyards all over the world—from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, to name just a few—new launches and refits are delivered each year. The 2021 newcomers hail from Lürssen, Dream Ship Victory and Lloyd Werft. With many new gigayacht builds in the pipeline, the list will be much more competitive in the coming years. Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by size, from  Maryah  to  Azzam.

25. ‘Maryah’ (410 feet, 1 inch), Neorion

Neorion’s  Maryah  Photo: Manuel Hernández LafuenteWATCH

This former Russian research vessel was originally launched by the Szczecinska yard in Poland. In 2010, it underwent a five-year rebuild at the Elefsis yard in Greece. The stodgy research vessel that went in reappeared in 2014 as a thoroughly modern custom-built superyacht. The UK-based  H2 Yacht Design  did both the interior and exterior, incorporating all the luxuries one would expect in a yacht this size. The swimming pool, spa, contemporary decor (including custom furniture, signature joinery, and bespoke details like fixtures and lighting), and generous interior space turned the ugly duckling into a swan.  Maryah , which reaches a top speed of 18 knots powered by a twin azipods propulsion system, has accommodation for 54 guests.

24. ‘Octopus’ (414 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Octopus  Elizabeth Withe

Originally built by Lürssen for Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, eight-decked  Octopus  is the world’s largest expedition yacht. Allen kept all the luxurious features of a superyacht, but wanted  Octopus  to be able to set anchor at the ends of the earth for exploration. The Lürssen, delivered in 2003, has storage for two helicopters, seven tenders, a large SUV and an internal dock that extends through the hull holding two submersibles. A glass-bottomed observation lounge makes for spectacular viewing when cruising. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, aided by its onboard dive centre and hyperbaric chamber. Espen Øino drew the exterior, including a full-sized basketball court on the aft deck, while Jonathan Quinn Barnett did the interior. The yacht underwent a refit in 2019. It reaches a top end of 20 knots.

23. ‘Al Mirqab’ (436 feet, 4 inches), Kusch Yachts

Kusch Yachts’ Al Mirqab  Photo: Shutterstock / PitK

Launched in 2008,  Al Mirqab  was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of  Kusch Yachts  in the  Peters Werft shipyard  in Wewelsfleth, Germany. The Tim Heywood exterior includes a long, navy-blue hull with a white superstructure. The yacht’s diesel-electric propulsion involves an azimuth pod drive and gives the 436.4-footer a top end of 21 knots. Its interior by Andrew Winch won several awards, with images showing Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors of large social areas. The yacht’s centerpiece is a stunning, complicated floating staircase encircled by custom-made glass panels.  Al Mirqab  has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45.

22. ‘Serene’ (439 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Serene  Photo: Nick Wells

Serene  was  Fincantieri ’s launch into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by  Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull, crowned by a white superstructure. The somewhat racy curves serve as a nice counterpart to the more serious-looking sections of the yacht, which include cutouts along the main and upper decks to allow strong visibility from the saloon and staterooms. The curved balconies on three levels are a nice touch that work aesthetically—and practically for better views. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glass house) that allows dining in all seasons.  Serene  also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for the Russian owner, though its details have remained closely guarded.

21. ‘Crescent’ (443 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Crescent  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Custom-built Project Thunder, as it was called internally at Lürssen, features cut-outs along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of  Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describes it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to  Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design.

20. ‘Savarona’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Savarona  

Launched in 1931,  Savarona  was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwallader. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.  Jane’s Fighting Ships  described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona  was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing  Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. The yacht’s interior was refitted again in 2013, once again becoming the official presidential yacht in 2014.  Savarona  features a swimming pool, Turkish bath, 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater, and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

19: ‘Flying Fox’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Flying Fox  Photo: Courtesy of SuperYachtTimes/Youtube

Delivered jointly by Imperial and Lürssen in 2019, 446.2-foot  Flying Fox  is the largest yacht available on the charter market. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, decompression chamber and two helipads.  Flying Fox  is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

18. ‘Rising Sun’ (454 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Rising Sun  Photo: Courtesy of Lürssen

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg,  Rising Sun  was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen. The yacht was delivered in 2004 and last refitted in 2011. Defined by banks of windows across the superstructure,  Rising Sun  has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar. The rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received a global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

17. ‘Al Salamah’ (456 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Salamah  Lürssen

When Lürssen launched  Al Salamah  in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its ranking at number 14 shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by  Terence Disdale . The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements.  Al Salamah  has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots.  Al Salamah  was last refitted in 2009.

16. ‘Scheherazade’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Scheherazade  Photo: SuperYacht Times/YouTube

The owner of 459.3-feet Lürssen-built  Scheherazade  (formerly known as Project Lightning) finally took delivery of the mega yacht in June 2020 after it was pictured during sea trials in November 2019. What can so far be deciphered from available photography includes two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft, as well as a reported seven-foot beam. Very few details have yet been released of the highly private vessel, including even the names of designers or naval architects involved with the build.

15: ‘Ocean Victory’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  Photo: Trevor Coppock / TheYachtPhoto.com

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  was delivered to its owner in 2014. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas, and a floodable tender dock.  Ocean Victory  has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew.  Ocean Victory  also has six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret.

14: ‘Solaris’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lloyd Werft

Solaris  by Lloyd-Werft Courtesy Lloyd Werft

The 476-foot  Solaris  is one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021, and yet still little is known about it. The highly private, vast explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and undertook sea trials in the North Sea. The eight-deck exterior is by Australian designer Marc Newson and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. Reportedly owned by Roman Abramovich, it houses a large helipad, sun deck and spacious beach club aft. Lloyd Werft built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht  Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

13. ‘Yas’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Abu Dhabi Mar

Abu Dhabi Mar’s  Yas  Photo: Harvey Barrison

As a converted yacht,  Yas  is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed  Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. The design by the Paris-based Pierrejean Vision, defined by massive glass surfaces, can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.  Yas  is capable of a 26-knot top speed and was last refitted in 2019.

12. ‘Dream Symphony’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Dream Ship Victory

Dream Symphony  by Dream Ship Victory Courtesy Dream Ship Victory

Sailing yacht  Dream Symphony  is a magnificent 462.7-foot schooner built by the Turkish shipyard Dream Ship Victory. When delivered in 2021, she will become the largest private sailing yacht in the world, knocking current largest sailing yacht,  Black Pearl , off the podium. Featuring naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and an exterior and interior by Ken Freivokh, she reunites the same team who were behind the legendary  Maltese Falcon ’s ground-breaking Falcon dynarig.  Dream  Symphony’s hull is being built in wood – glued and laminated using the latest epoxy and composite techniques. Wood, carbon and stainless-steel run throughout the contemporary interior, while the rig includes Hoyt booms for maximum control.  Dream Symphony  boasts a fully private owner’s duplex, with master suite, salon, and office at main deck level, and a further spa, gym and treatment rooms on the lower deck. A sheltered open deck between the owner’s facilities and the guest deck house can be closed off to bad weather, creating concealed channels for full protection. And when the sun is shining, a double-height glass swimming pool features a rising floor that can doubles up as a touch-and-go helipad or dancefloor.

11. ‘Nord’ (466 feet),  Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Nord  (Project Opus) Photo: SuperYacht Times/Youtube

Nord  (Project Opus) has been a long time coming. She was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until November 2020 when she conducted sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and is Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its newly upgraded floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting many top tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50-feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous remote exploration and a retractable hangar means the helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

10. ‘A’ (468 feet, 5 inches), Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht  A  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of sailing yacht  A  includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck-design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for German yard  Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes, without any compromises in strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. “Sailing yacht  A  is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in,” said Holger Kahl, the firm’s then managing director. Starck’s interior remains a secret. The yard reports the yacht has a top speed of 21 knots. She remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht three years after her launch.

9. ‘El Mahrousa’ (478 feet, 1 inch), Samuda Brothers

Egypt’s royal yacht,  El Mahrousa  Screengrab

El Mahrousa , which means “the protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. It was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The world’s oldest superyacht features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang, and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

8. ‘Prince Abdulaziz’ (482 feet, 3 inches), Helsingør Værft

Helsingør Værft’s  Prince Abdulaziz  Photo: Shutterstock / Artesia Wells

This custom yacht, launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, was most recently refitted in 2005. The 5,200-tonne  Prince Abdulaziz  is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch. At 482.3-feet,  Prince Abdulaziz  held the title for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the  Titanic . Last refitted in 2005, it is rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend.

7. ‘A+’ (483 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  A+  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Very little is known about  A+  (formerly  Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012, other than it is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahnan – Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE –  A+  has a top speed of 22 knots, and can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew.

6. ‘Al Saïd’ (508 feet, 5 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Saïd  Courtesy of Shutterstock

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of  Al Saïd  following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and, according to some sources, 70 guests. Lürssen says  Al Saïd  has a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra.

5. ‘Dilbar’ (511 feet, 8 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Dilbar  Photo: Josep Baresic

The 2016 launch of  Dilbar  gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads.  Dilbar  also has an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6357-cubic-feet of water, and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by Winch Design is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Lürssen added that the world’s largest motor yacht was one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, because of its dimensions and technology. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the length of the light ivory and bronze-accented hull. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, the details of which are yet to be revealed.

4. ‘Dubai’ (531 feet, 5 inches), Platinum Yachts

Sheikh Al Maktoum’s yacht,  Dubai  Bigstock

This Andrew Winch design was originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, before it was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts.  Dubai  delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The seven-decked yacht has an impressive 70-foot-wide atrium, landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco, and cinema. Full certification was obtained from Lloyd’s Register in October 2006, and it can reach a top speed of 26 knots.

3. ‘Eclipse’ (533 feet, 1 inch), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Eclipse  Photo: Shutterstock / R_Pilguj

Stately  Eclipse , the 533.1-foot yacht delivered to billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial master suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends.  Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck and, at the time of its launch, the largest swimming pool on any superyacht (the bottom raises and converts to a dance floor). Other features reflecting its stature: the capacity to hold three helicopters, including one in its belowdecks hangar, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym, and beach club. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give  Eclipse  a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

2. ‘Fulk Al Salamah’ (538 feet, 1 inch), Mariotti Yachts

Mariotti Yachts’  Fulk Al Salamah  Screengrab

Little information has ever been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, custom-built  Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, the imposing vessel is believed to be owned by the Omani royal family. Exterior design is by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts and a bathing platform.

1: ‘Azzam’ (592 feet, 6 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Azzam  Screengrab

It’s not surprising that the world’s longest yacht hails from a shipyard with 13 out of the 25 top builds in the superyacht arena. Unfortunately,  Lürssen  could never really boast about  Azzam  after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. Lürssen describes the interior by Christophe Leoni as “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, push  Azzam  to more than 30 knots, giving it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. She also boasts an impressive build time for a yacht of her size, with construction taking only three years after one year of engineering.  Azzam  was last refit in 2020 at MB92 in Barcelona.

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Top 10 Biggest Yachts in the World

These are the largest private megayahts that roam the seas.

Azzam (180 meters)

Azzam is now the biggest yacht in the world. It was proudly built by Lurssen Yachts, which has been involved in the building of six out of top ten largest yachts. The specs of this ship are being kept secret. We don’t know who the owner is, but is rumored that it was built for a member of royal family of Abu Dhabi. The propulsion system is an innovative water-jet with two fixed drives and two directional. This system can push the huge yacht to a staggering speed of 31.5 knots.

Eclipse (162.5 meters)

Eclipse is the second largest yacht in the world. It needed five years of planning and construction in the Germans’ yards of Blohm+Voss in Hamburg. Launched in 2010, it held the title of biggest yacht in the world for a while. Eclipse features a diesel-electric propulsion system with rotating Azipod drives. The owner can enjoy his personal 56 meters deck, and alsoa wonderful interior created by the team of Terence Disdale. There is also a 16 meter long swimming pool, the largest on any yacht. The yacht car accommodates no less than three helicopters. The yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Dubai (162 meters)

We are now in the top 3 largest yachts in the world. Standing proud at number 3 is a Blohm+Voss built yacht. The vast 162 meters yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri of Brunei. The project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and partially complete superstructure. It was sold to Dubai government and completed in 2006 by Platinum Yachts. Named Dubai, the vessel is the Royal Yacht of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai. It can accommodate 24 guests in luxurious conditions. It has an owner suite, five VIP suites and six guests’ suites. The list of facilities is long: swimming pool, barbecue area, cinema, discothèque, helicopter platform, fitness area, garage for a submarine and a vast collection of water toys.

Al Said (155 meters)

Impressive and huge, Al Said is a motoryacht with a lot of secrets. It was built by Lurssen under the codename Sunflower and launched in 2008. It is owned by the Sultan of Oman and sails under Omani flag. Home port is Muscat, Oman. Al Said has a top speed of 25 knots and needs a crew of 150 to operate. The interior design is the work of Espen Oeino and features a concert hall that can accommodate a 50 strong orchestra. 65 guests can travel aboard this impressive ship.

Topaz (147.25 meters)

Topaz was launched in 2012, with the sea trials completed in the month of August, 2012. It is a Lurssen product, being the third largest yacht built by the German yard. Not many things are known about this vessel. It belongs to United Arab Emirates client, although it sails under a Cayman flag. Exterior styling is signed by Tim Heywood, interior design by Terence Disdale.

Prince Abdulaziz (147 meters)

Prince Abdulaziz was commissioned in 1984 to serve as the Royal Yacht for King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. It was later inherited by King Abdullah. The vessel was built by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft. The cost was a reportedly $184m, a huge amount at that time. The interior is designed by David Hicks and has a notable feature. The large lobby on the main deck is said to be designed to mimic that of the Titanic. It also features a fully equipped hospital, a mosque and a cinema. The yacht is manned by a crew of 65. There are also rumors that the ship has systems that include surface-to-air missiles, but this fact is unconfirmed.

El Horriya (145.7 meters)

El Horriya is a different breed of yacht. In fact, it’s a classic vessel, the largest classic yacht in use in the world. It was built in 1865 by Samuda Brothers in the United Kingdom for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and it was present at the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal in 1869. In 1872 it was lengthened by 12.1 meters and the original paddle wheels propulsion was removed. Since then it has seen a major rebuilt in 1950. In the 70’s the ship was used as a museum, but in 1992 it was made seaworthy again. Today, El Horriya is the Presidential Yacht for the Egypt Republic. It’s rarely used, and it can be seen berthed in the port of Alexandria, where it is maintainedby the Egyptian Navy.

Yas (141 meters)

With only one meter longer than Ocean Victory, Yas is a very special vessel. Launched in November 2011 by Abu Dhabi MAR, Yas was built in Abu Dhabi using the steel hull of a 1978 Dutch-built navy frigate. The old ship was completely modified and new machinery was added, along with new systems and a luxury interior. It is estimated that the 141 meters Yas can accommodate 60 guests and it needs a crew of 56 to operate. The superstructure is manufactured from advanced composites and glass. The odd silhouette was inspired by the shape of a dolphin. For power, Yas uses two MTU diesels and has a top speed of 26 knots.

Ocean Victory (140 meters)

Ocean Victory is the number nine in this top 10 of biggest superyachts in the world. It was built by Muggiano shipyard in Italy, a Ficantieri owned business. It has seven decks and the exterior design is signed by Espen Oeino. The interior is the work of Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa. Ocean Victory features six pools of up to eight meters in length. It also has dockage capability for a 14 meter tender. The building of Ocean Victory has begun in 2010 and the vessel was launched in 2014.

Al Salamah (139.3 meters)

Al Salamah was built in 1999 by a consortium of Lurssen shipyard in Bremen and HDW in Kiel, Germany. Standing at almost 140 meters (139.3 to be exact), with a beam of 23.5 meters, it can also reach a reported speed of 21.5 knots. Interior and exterior styling is by Terence Disdale Design from London. Al Salamah was owned by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, son of the late King Fahd, Governor of Riyadh. He is Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister and the nation’s Crown Prince. Al Salamah was refitted by Lurssen in 2007.

Update: Megayacht Dilbar has also joined the ranks of the top ten biggest pleasure vessels in the world. Standing at 156m long, she enters the top 10 at number 4. Formerly known as Project Omar, megayacht Dilbar is another vessel by Lurssen shipyards.

These Are The 25 Biggest Yachts in the World!

By Vlad Craciun

Updated on August 14, 2023

Welcome to the fascinating realm of the world’s wealthiest individuals! For many of us, the luxurious lives of the rich and famous exist only in our wildest dreams.

However, there’s a select group of people who embody the opulence and prestige that we so often find ourselves daydreaming about. Get ready to step into their dazzling world, where the elite shine bright and capture our imagination.

Owning a superyacht is surely proof that you made it on a different level than the majority of the population. They are impressive, sleek vessels that make traveling by water so much more fun.

Those yachts that are some of the largest in the world offer some amenities more luxurious than your typical five-star hotel. You will find helicopter landing pads, spas, cinemas, and onboard swimming pools, just to name a few.

Most of those luxury yachts are privately owned, but there are few of them available for charter, should you be interested.

Here’s the list of the 25 biggest yachts in the world.

• 25. Octopus – 413 feet (126m)

Built in 2003 in Germany by shipyard Lurssen, Octopus was owned by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft.

Espen Oeino is the designer behind this superyacht, while the interiors were decorated by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

It features an impressive deck that boasts a glass-bottom swimming pool, a helicopter pad, as well as an internal dock that can fit a 20 meter submarine.

• 24. Al Mirqab – 436 feet (133m)

Peterswerft is the builder of this majestic superyacht that was finished in 2008 in Germany. Al Mirqab’s owner is Hamad Bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, it accommodates 60 guests and is manned by 60 crew members.

The four floors are joined by a grand staircase that is surrounded by suspended glass artwork created by Dale Chihuly.

• 23. Serene – 439 feet (133.9m)

Owned by a Russian businessman, Serene was delivered in 2011 by the renowned Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The interior space was designed by Reymond Langton, and it accommodates a crew of 52 members plus 24 guests.

Featuring seven decks, a hangar, and two helipads, this superyacht comes with many other impressive amenities. Among them are underwater viewing ports plus its own custom submarine.

• 22. Crescent – 445 feet (135.6m)

This yacht is one of the most well-known yachts in the world, yet we don’t have any details about its owner. Most likely some Russian billionaire, but the identity of the current owner has never been revealed.

Built in 2018 in Germany by Lurssen, the sleek Crescent yacht accommodates 18 guests. The 40 person crew and all the bells and whistles make it worth $600 million.

The design was executed by Espen Oeino, while the interiors were fitted and perfectly curated by Zuretti Interior Designs.

• 21. Savarona – 446 feet (136m)

Owned by the Government of Turkey, the Savarona was built by Blohm & Voss in 1931. The German yacht builders have a few models under their belt, this one being their second largest superyacht, also their oldest one.

Designed by Cox & Stevens, the yacht accommodates 34 guests plus 48 person crew members. At $100 million, it is one of the most affordable yachts on this list.

Decades ago it was worth $4 million, but in 1989 the owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group refurbished it for the astounding sum of $50 million, which raised its worth considerably.

• 20. Flying Fox – 446 feet (136m)

Built by German yacht manufacturer Lurssen, the Flying Fox was finished in 2019. Although rumor has it that the owner is Jeff Bezos, there’s no concrete evidence to back up that claim.

We do know that it’s been chartered by power couple Beyonce and husband Jay-Z last year, for the cool sum of $3 million a week. You will find this yacht mostly around the islands of Capri and Sardinia, Cannes, even Norway.

It can accommodate 22 guests plus a crew of 54 people, making it one of the most expensive charter yachts in the world.

• 19. Rising Sun – 454 feet (138.4m)

Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corporation sold the Rising Sun to David Geffin, the new owner of this $400 million superyacht back in 2010.

Built in 2004 by German ship makers Lurssen, it accommodates 16 guests plus 45 crew members. The impressive attention to details of its interiors make the onyx and teak complement each other to perfection.

Among its most notable amenities you’ll find a basketball court that also serves as a helicopter landing pad, a sauna, a full gym, private cinema, among a few others.

• 18. Al Salamah – 457 feet (139.3m)

The Crown Prince of Bahrain is the official owner of this superyacht today, after he received it as a gift from the Omani Royal Fleet.

This superyacht accommodates 40 guests and 134 crew members, which makes it one of the largest on the planet.

It was built in 1999 by German shipmaker Lurssen along with the consortium of Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft, or HDW. Rumor has it that it has its own hospital, five galleys, and an underwater treadmill for physical therapy.

• 17. Scheherazade – 459 feet (140m)

Luxurious Scheherazade is not a superyacht that holds back on essentials nor glam amenities.

Although many superyachts like to keep some details secretive, even the building process and its introduction were kept under wraps with only a codename available, Project Lightning.

Its name refers to a female character from the Middle estern series One Thousand and One Nights.

Built in 2020 by the same acclaimed German yacht brand , Lurssen, this massive superyacht is worth $700 million, and it accommodates 18 guests and a crew of 40 members.

• 16. Ocean Victory – 460 feet (140.2m)

You will find this superyacht all over the world, as it traveled from Southeast Asia to Europe, among other destinations.

Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov is the owner of this upgraded vessel. Built in 2014 in Italy by Fincantieri, this luxurious yacht can fit a crew of 56 plus 28 guests.

The 300-square meter spa area and six individual swimming pools you’ll find on board are only a few amenities this beautiful vessel offers.

• 15. Solaris – 461 feet (140.5m)

While undergoing sea trials in the North Sea, the secret surrounding the build and everything else concerning this vessel came out.

Built only last year by German shipmaker Lloyd Werft, the $600 million superyacht fits a crew of 60 and 60 guests. Its most notable feature is undoubtedly its beach club that’s located on the top floor.

Among other luxurious features you will find a crane that launches tenders, several subs, and a large helipad. Owned by Roman Abramovich, the interiors must be decorated with the utmost style.

• 14. Yas – 463 feet (141m)

The rather unusual seamless design of the Yas makes this superyacht stand out from the others on our list.

Owner Hamdan bin Zayed al Nayhan requested a style that lived up to his navy background, therefore its abstract lines and design details are in sync with his lavish lifestyle.

Originally built in 1981 by Dutch shipmaker Koninklijke Schelde, Hamdan had it deconstructed and rebuilt to his own preference by ADM Shipyards. The ship fits 60 guests and a crew of 60 members.

• 13. Dream Symphony – 463 feet (141m)

The seamless presentation and stunning design of Dream Symphony will make sailing a real dream come true.

Built in Turkey this year by Dream Ship Victory, this yacht has not been completed as far as we know, but it will be ready to hit the high seas in the near future.

The interior is styled by Ken Freivokh, who used unique wood building technology in order to create one of the greenest superyachts to ever exist.

It is equipped with a teak deck and a humongous glass swimming pool in its center, and a rising floor that will be used for helicopter landings. It will fit 18 guests and 32 crew members.

• 12. Nord – 465 feet

With a never before seen bow, Nord’s design is distinctive and unique. Its overall unusual look has been referred to as ‘a warship wearing a tuxedo’, by the Italian designer Dan Lenard of Nuvolari Lenard studio.

The owner, Alexei Mordashov, wanted a ship that is designed to calmly cruise and explore the world . Built in 2020 by German shipyard Lurssen, it accommodates a crew of 40 and 24 guests.

Among some of its coolest amenities are a diving sports center on the lower deck, while on the top deck you can overlook the ocean from the swimming pool.

• 11. Sailing Yacht A – 468 feet (142.6m)

More than just a pretty face, A boasts a futuristic, sleek design. Built in Germany in 2017 by Nobiskrug , it is owned by Andrey Melinchenko.

The yacht is worth $300 million US dollars, it has a crew of 54, and can fit 24 guests. It is made for cruising and equipped with lots of the latest technology.

The elements of the sea will not bother its occupants while onboard. Smooth sailing is what guests will experience aboard the A.

• 10. El Mahrousa – 478 feet

Probably the oldest superyacht to ever exist, El Mahrousa was built in 1863 by shipyard Samuda Brothers of England. Translated from Arabic to mean The Protected, it was at one point called El Horreya, which means Freedom.

Owned by the President of Egypt, the superyacht has seen many restorations throughout the decades.

We don’t have much details about its interior, the price, or even the number of guests it can accommodate. We do know that a staff of 160 crew members are onboard while at sea.

• 9. Prince Abdulaziz – 482 feet (146.9m)

Built in 1984 by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft , it’s worth about $100 million dollars today. The owner of this lavish vessel is none other than Prince Abdullah Aziz bin Fahd.

Originally ordered to be custom made by King Fahd, it was passed on to his sons.

The redecoration project the ship underwent in 2007 took 15 months to complete, and the design was created by the late David Hicks. It accommodates 64 guests, with a crew of 65 members.

• 8. A+ – 483 feet (148.4m)

Previously called Topaz, the A+ yacht is in the top ten of the largest superyachts in the world today. When it was built back in 2012 by Lurssen, it was the fourth largest in the world, but it lost its top spot after a few years.

Despite that, it is a very impressive ship that comes with endless luxurious amenities. The swimming pool has its own platform and underwater lights, and among some of its coolest features are the mini-submarine, a catamaran, and inflatable boats.

Owned by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahya, he has a crew of 79 onboard, and can accommodate an additional 62 guests.

• 7. Al Said – 508 feet (154.8m)

While being created, this superyacht was referred to as Project Sunflower in order to preserve its privacy.

Delivered to the Sultan of Oman in 2008, this superyacht was also built by German shipyard Lurssen. With a 140 crew member and 65 guests, the Al Said has a concert room and an orchestra of 65 musicians on board.

Although other details are unknown to us, we can only assume the luxurious accommodations it boasts.

• 6. Dilbar – 511 feet (155.8m)

Project Omar, as it was better known while in construction, Dilbar was imagined by exterior designer Espen Oeino with Andrew Winch adding his magic for the yacht’s glamorous interiors.

Built in 2015 by Lurssen of Germany, it is the largest known superyacht by interior volume. A classy design, the Dilbar comes equipped with a large private cinema, a beach club, spa, and a salon that has its own piano, among other glamorous features.

It is owned by Alisher Usmanov, and it accommodates 40 guests and a crew of 80 members.

• 5. Blue – 524 feet (159.7m)

Also created under a codename, Project Blue was unveiled earlier last year as it was handed over to its owner, Sheik Mansour Al Nahyan.Valued at over $600 million US dollars, it fits a crew of 80 members and 48 guests.

Designed by Terence Disadle, its numerous luxurious amenities are not yet known, but we can only imagine.

The fifth largest superyacht in the world had a beam of 22.5 meters, or 73 feet, and a total tonnage of 15,320 GT.

The innovative after-treatment system and wastewater treatment plan make it one of the most eco-friendly vessels to sail the waters.

• 4. Dubai – 531 feet (161.8m)

In the planning stages, the massive Dubai yacht went through a few names before its final name.

Golden Star, Platinum, and Panhandle were among the contenders until its owner, the ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum decided to name it after its home emirate.

You can imagine the numerous luxurious amenities onboard: two jacuzzis, a huge swimming pool, plus the decor fit for royalty.

Built by Blohm & Voss and Lurssen in 1998, the large ship fits 115 guests and a crew of 88 members.

• 3. Eclipse – 533 feet (162.5m)

From start to finish, it took five years for Eclipse to be complete. This award winning superyacht focused more on being decked out appropriately.

Incredibly spacious, Eclipse is decorated with a neutral color palette throughout, and it has endless rooms to fit 30 guests and a crew of 70 members.

Built in 2009 by German shipyard Blohm & Voss, it is owned by Roman Abramovich. He put an emphasis on luxurious facilities such as a humongous swimming pool and more than one helipad.

Designer Terry Disdale had free reign as far as architectural design went.

• 2. Fulk Al Salamah – 538 feet (164m)

The Ship Of Peace, or Fulk al Salamah , was developed under the codename Project Saffron back in 2016. It was built in Italy by the shipyard Mariotti, and it is better known for its use as a transport ship for the Royal Navy Of Oman.

Owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, it serves as a support vessel to enforce ties within the Sultanate.

Fit to accommodate a crew of 100 members, 40 of some of the most influential guests are often seen aboard. Needless to say, the luxurious superyacht boasts some of the best features available in the world.

• 1. Azzam – 592 feet (180.4m)

The shipyard that brought us 13 out of the 25 world’s largest superyachts in the world, Lurssen is the builder of the world’s largest-ever bespoke superyacht as well.

Owned by none other than one of the world’s richest men, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it was designed under the watchful eye of Mubarak Saad al Ahabhi.

Built in 2013, the massive Azzam superyacht accommodates a crew of 60 members on top of 30 guests. The plans for its interiors were confirmed even before the exterior was completed.

With more than 4,000 people working on this beauty, the work took four years total to complete.

Final Thoughts

This sums up our list of the 25 biggest yachts in the world. Pretty impressive, right?

As other superyachts continue being built, the list might see some adjustments in the future. But for now, these are the largest superyachts in the world to sail the waters.

About Vlad Craciun

Vlad has over 7 years of experience writing content about subjects such as travel, cars, motorcycles, tech & gadgets, and his newly discovered passion, watches. He’s in love with two wheeled machines and the freedom and the thrills that motorcycle travel provides. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Top 10 Largest Yachts Around The Globe

It could always be a little bigger, and a little better right?

In a world where constant evolution and innovation are key to staying ahead of the curve, staying stagnant is not an option. In a bid to get an edge over their competitors, shipyards around the globe are pushing the envelope, striving to produce the ultimate superyacht, each bigger and greater than the last. However, these monstrous feats of engineering are more than just hulking vessels. Each of the entries on this list are truly marvellous examples of design and technical innovations, possessing a slew of features above and below deck. Each and every of them is a piece of art and no wonder you can  buy a research paper  with detailed description on particular vessel and its design. Without further ado, here are the world’s largest yachts.

• Azzam (180.61 metres)

German shipyard Lürssen is famous for their near monopoly in the construction of gigantic superyachts. Unveiled in October of 2013, Azzam has held onto its title of largest privately owned superyacht for almost 8 years. The interior design was done by Christophe Leoni who opted for French Empire stylings. Exteriors were done up by Nauta Yacht design while engineering was overseen by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. With a top speed of over 31.5 knots, courtesy of her ingenious water-jet propulsion, the behemoth that is Azzam defies the notion that large yachts must be slow.

2. Eclipse (162.5 metres)

Eclipse previously held the title of largest superyacht for three years since leaving the shipyard of Blohm+Voss in 2010, Azzam’s delivery. Eclipse features custom interior finishing specially developed by Terence Disdale Design, who was in charge of everything regarding interior design, deck layout, and superstructure design and construction. Eclipse boasts a wide range of features, incuding a 16 metre swimming pool, which can be turned into a dance floor, and the ability to hold three helicopters. She has won a number of awards including Motor Yacht of the Decade at the 2015 World Superyacht Awards.

3. Dubai (162 metres)

This superyacht is fittingly named for it is the royal yacht of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai. She was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri of Brunei in collaboration with Blohm+Voss and Andrew Winch. However, her superstructure was only partially done when the project was suspended. Dubai’s government then bought over the project and entrusted its construction to Kostis Antonopoulos of Platinum Yachts . The royal yacht has a wide range of facilities befitting its owner’s status. Dubai’s five VIP suites and six guest suites all feature open balconies and were specially designed by Nakheel Interiors. She also features a submarine garage and a landing platform for a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Perhaps, if you are looking to experience a luxurious cruising experience on one of these yachts, you can opt for a  yacht charter in Dubai .

4. Dilbar (156 metres)

While Azzam is deemed world’s largest yacht when looking at length, Dilbar, 30 metres shorter than Azzam, dominates in terms of interior volume at 15,917 GT. The Espen Øino -designed superyacht belongs to Uzbekistani billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Dilbar possesses some truly ground-breaking features which include a 180 cubic-metre pool and a 30,000 kilowatt electric diesel power plant. Despite her large volume, she accommodates only 24 guests within her 3,800 square metres of living space, but boasts an astounding 100 strong crew, ensuring that visitors receive the undivided care and attention.

5. Al Said (155 metres)

The principle vessel of Oman’s Royal Yacht Squadron, Al Said was named after her owner, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman. The 155 metre yacht was also designed by Espen Øino and constructed at Lürssen’s Vegesack shipyard under the moniker “Project Sunflower”. Al Said ups the ante with an even greater crew of 150 members and accommodation for 65 guests. She boasts large spaces for entertaining guests with her show piece being the on-board concert hall, with room for an orchestra of 50 musicians.

6. El Mahrousa (150.57 metres)

Delivered in 1865 by the Samuda Brothers shipyard, El Mahrousa is the oldest vessl on this list. She is a classic example of superyacht design, holding onto the title of largest yacht in the world for well over a century until Prince Abdulaziz came along in 1984. El Mahrousa was originally built for Khedive Ismail, the Ottoman governor of Egypt and was used to receive dignitaries during the historic opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Over the years she has been rebuilt several times, first in 1872, where she was lengthened by 12.1 metres and had her paddle wheels removed, then in 1905, and 1950. After falling into disrepair, she was restored for the Christopher Columbus Fleet Review. El Mahrousa now serves as the Egyptian Presidential Yacht and is maintained by the Egyptian Navy.

7. A+ (147.25 metres)

Delivered by Lürssen in 2012, this Tim Heywood -designed vessel is one yacht that is shrouded in mystery. She used to be called Topaz but was renamed A+ in 2019, and flies under a Cayman flag. Her owner is rumoured to be Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, one the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) elites, who owns Manchester City football club . A+’s interior design was done by Terence Disdale Design and features, like many others on this list, a helipad. She was known to have been chartered twice by Leonardo DiCaprio but apart from that, little else is known about her.

8. Prince Abdulaziz (147.01 metres)

Berthed beside the Saudi King’s palace in Jeddah, Prince Abdulaziz serves the Saudi royal family as their royal yacht. She was built in 1984 by Helsingor Vaerft, a Denmark-based shipyard, to Maierform’s design, for King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. She replaced El Mahrousa as the world’s largest yacht at the time. Prince Abdulaziz reportedly cost US$184 million to build and features tasteful interior designs by the late David Hicks, who fused modern and classic aesthetics. Her large lobby is even said to have been based off the Titanic’s . As befits the yacht of the Saudi royal family, she features a mosque, cinema, and, if speculations are to be believed, surface-to-air missiles and underwater surveillance systems.

9. Sailing Yacht A (142.81 metres)

Sailing Yacht A is the second superyacht, after Motor Yacht A, to be commissioned by Russian Industrialist and billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko . She was designed by Philippe Starck and built by German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2017. Unlike the others on this list, Sailing Yacht A, as its name suggests, is sail-assisted. She can set 3,747 square metres of sail, which work alongside her computer-controlled diesel-electric power plant. With her eight decks, she comfortably accommodates a crew of 54 members. Sailing Yacht A sports a myriad of innovative features like an underwater viewing pod, balconies enclosed by pieces of curved glass of record-breaking sizes, and the world’s tallest carbon masts at 100 metres above sea level.

10. Nord (142 metres)

Delivered in 2021, Nord is the latest offering on our list. She has gone by many names, first as Project Redwood during her construction, then Opus, before finally becoming Nord. She is a fantastic example of design innovation in the world of superyachts. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard , she boasts a plethora of facilities on board. These include a beach club, a water sport and dive centre, two helipads, and a tender garage with “space to store a plethora of toys including 16 tenders, a submarine and an ROV”, according to build manager Rob Moran. On her mast, an array of four satellite domes can be seen. Nord has 20 suites which can house up to 36 guests in unabashed luxury.

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A look at the most expensive superyachts at the Palm Beach yacht show and their insane features, from basketball courts on deck to ice baths and saunas

• The Palm Beach International Boat Show kicks off later this week.
• Eight megayachts are expected to be on display for would-be buyers and charter customers.
• These are the show's biggest yachts — and how many millions of dollars they are going for.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show — the yacht world's flashiest event stateside — is returning this year with over 800 boats for both deep-pocked potential owners and window shoppers to peruse.

While it's impossible to know what exactly will be on display until the show begins on Thursday, it's expected that eight megayachts — generally defined as ships over 60 meters long — will be docked at the show and at nearby marinas like the Rybovich Marina in the ritzy Florida town.

Some of these are for sale at eye-popping prices, but others are available to if in case you fancy living like a billionaire for a week or two this summer (and if you have six figures to spare on a vacation).

These are the eight biggest yachts that will be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show and nearby marinas, in size order.

Nero: 90.1 meters

Price: From $497,000 a week (charter) Standout features: Pizza ovens, beauty salon, massage room, resistance pool

Reportedly owned by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien, Nero is modeled after J.P. Morgan's 1930s ship , and was built in 2007 and updated in 2021.

She now boasts a gym on her sundeck with multiple cardio machines and a beauty salon, and has an on-board beautician for manicure, pedicure, hair, and massage needs. There's also an upgraded movie theater, two new pizza ovens, and both a pool and a jacuzzi.

For those who want to go overboard, she has more than a dozen toys, including a waterslide, Jet Ski, and flyboard.

Victorious: 85 meters

Price: From $876,600 a week in the summer and $950,000 a week in the winter Standout features: Hammam (Turkish bath), wine cellar, wood-burning fireplace, children's playroom

Victorious brings a party vibe to the yacht show. With a beach club on board, a wine cellar, a cigar clubroom , multiple bars, and a lounge with a piano, the vessel is made for entertaining. Plus, there's a playroom and movie theater to entertain the kids.

For tamer charter clients, Victorious has a suite of wellness features such as a gym, massage room, beauty salon and hammam, or Turkish bath — perhaps a custom request of her owner, Turkish businessman Vural Ak.

She also boasts a treasure trove of water toys, including Jet Skis, jetsurfs, inflatable kayaks, and scuba equipment.

Casino Royale: 72 meters

Price: TBD Special Features: Infinity pool, helipad, private jacuzzi

Purchased and refitted by car dealer magnate John Staluppi last year, Casino Royale is the latest of his James Bond-inspired yachts (he's also owned an Octopussy and a Skyfall, among others).

Casino Royale has a helipad that turns into a dancefloor, an infinity pool, and a wellness center with a gym and sauna. The owner's cabin has its own deck, which features a private bar and jacuzzi.

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However, the boat's price isn't listed, and while she's not necessarily officially for sale, that might change depending on who's prepared to buy, Mr. Bond.

Talisman C: 70.6 meters

Price: $60 million (or from $567,000 a week to charter) Special features: Massage and beauty room, private library

Likely the largest yacht for sale (not just charter) at the show, the Talisman C is a 2011 six-bedroom boat. The owner's cabin comes with an en suite bathroom, dressing room, private library, and crystal chandeliers.

Amenities include a gym, a beauty room, oversized jacuzzi, and a fully equipped bar. Her crew of 19 includes a trained masseuse, and the toy room comes equipped with a wakeboard, eFoil , and WaveRunners.

Joy: 70 meters

Price: From $650,000 a week Special features: Disco club, basketball court, onboard fitness instructor

Superyacht Joy testifies to the fact that owners want as many on-board experiences as they can get.

There's an expansive suite of fitness features, including a basketball court (don't shoot that hoop too hard!), a personal trainer on staff, boxing equipment, and a handful of machines. For post-workout winddowns, there's a spa with a steam room and onboard masseuse. And for entertainment, there's both an outdoor and indoor cinema, and a disco club.

Triumph: 65.4 meters

Price: From $707,600 a week in the summer and $650,000 a week in the winter Special features: Sauna, helipad, banana boat

This 2021 superyacht is named after Triumph motorcycles — a reported favorite of her rumored owner, British businessman Chris Dawson — and even has one on display as an art piece in the upper deck's lounge. The primary suite is 1,400 square feet and has its own study , and there's a sauna, an indoor-outdoor gym, a helipad, and a massage room spread among her six decks.

She boasts an "armada of water toys," including two kinds of Jet Skis, electric water bikes, and a banana boat.

Seanna: 64.5 meters

Price: $54,000,000 (or from $462,000 a week to charter) Special features: marble foyer, movie room, sundeck pool

The recently refurbished Seanna is available for sale and charter.

Her indoor-outdoor gym is on sea level so that passengers can take a dip after a session with the onboard personal trainer. There's also a sundeck pool, a helipad, a two-room massage facility, and, for the more cerebral guests, a library with an electric fireplace.

There are a number of toys on board, including a popular water trampoline and two WaveRunners.

Come Together: 60 meters

Price: $65,000,000 Special Features: DJ and videographer on board, ice bath, sauna

Next-to-new yacht Come Together is looking for a new owner after doing charters during the 2023 season.

The Beatles' influence is evident beyond the yacht's name, with guitars dotting the sky lounge and a crewmember who doubles as a DJ. There's also an outdoor cinema and bar for entertainment and an ice bath and sauna for the day after the party. The owner's suite has a private study and lounge, and each guest cabin has its own ensuite.

The sale includes a number of toys, like Jet Skis, kayaks, and Seabobs.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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10 of the biggest yachts at this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show

The Palm Beach International Boat Show returns to West Palm Beach's waterfront from March 21-24 — bringing with it some of the largest, most luxurious yachts in the world.

The Super Yacht Show Palm Beach features a range of boats that are longer than 100 feet, including 18 that are longer than 151 feet.

Here's a look at 10 of the biggest boats that visitors to the show can experience up close.

Come Together

This 197-foot behemoth with a price tag that starts at $59.95 million makes it the most expensive boat for sale at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show.

Come Together provides plenty of space and amenities to do as its name suggests and bring more than a dozen people together for an adventure at sea, according to its listing on the show's website.

It was built in 2022 by Amels and features a hybrid propulsion system. The interiors were done by Winch Design of London, with materials including Jerusalem limestone, light matte oak and walnut, and bronze. The ship's six cabins can house up to 14 guests, the listing said.

A 27-meter sun deck features a Jacuzzi with a sunbathing area, gym equipment, sheltered bar and wind-protected dining table.

You can find Come Together in the water at Ramps C and D.

Hospitality

Want to buy the 164-foot Hospitality? The price starts at $29.75 million, according to the yacht's listing on the boat show's website.

The Westport-built vessel was first constructed in 2011 and refit in 2021. It has seven cabins that can accommodate 16 guests. That includes a primary suite and a VIP suite. It also features a sun deck with a hot tub and sunbathing area.

The ship has traveled "to some of the world's most remote places with an impressive 4,000+ nautical mile range," its listing said.

You can find Hospitality in the water at Ramp E at the show.

The 155-foot Ancora was just completed in August by manufacturer Mengi Yay, its listing said. It is being presented by Fraser Yachts.

Ancora was built for charter use and has a master suite with a private balcony, plus four staterooms including two doubles and two convertibles, allowing for up to 10 guests, the listing said.

Summer charter rates with Fraser run from about $282,000 per week in the western Mediterranean Sea to about $260,000 per week in the winter in the Caribbean, according to Fraser's website .

You can find Ancora in the water at Ramp 2.

Next Chapter

This Benetti-built vessel is 180 feet and 6 inches and was built in 2003 with a refit in 2022, the listing said.

Next Chapter's six cabins — including a split-level master suite with an observation lounge and private study — can accommodate up to 13 people. It features a Jacuzzi, gym and beach club, and is built for charter use, the listing said.

The price starts at $19.9 million, and the ship is being presented at the show by The International Yacht Co.

Next Chapter will be in the water at Ramp E.

For $21 million, you can be the new owner of the Feadship-built Berilda, a 155-foot yacht built in 2001 and refit in 2020-21, according to its listing.

The yacht has "the highest pedigree with a documented history of excellent owners and meticulous care," the listing said. That ownership includes Royal Swedish Yacht Club member Sten Tegner, and Richard and Leslie Fairbanks.

The current owner bought Berilda in 2021 and has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean twice and through Europe, New England, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the listing said. The yacht features six cabins for up to 14 people and quarters for a crew of up to 10.

Berilda will be in water at Ramp C.

Liberty, built by Trinity, is 187 feet and 2 inches, according to its listing. The yacht is designed for entertaining, the listing said, with social spaces including a dance floor.

Liberty was built in 2012, with work including a paint job, main engine rebuild, new generators and 10-year survey completed since 2018. The price starts at $24.75 million and the ship is being shown by The International Yacht Co.

The yacht has six cabins for 12 guests, with additional capacity for 13 crew, the listing said.

Named simply W, this 188-foot Feadship yacht is being shown by its manufacturer, according to its listing.

The vessel, originally launched as Larisa in 2013, had a major refit in 2020 and was renamed at that time, the listing said. W's owner changed the livery and antifouling, among other alterations, over the past 10 months, the listing said.

W will be in the water at Ramp C.

Priced at $20.9 million and being shown by exhibitor FGI Yacht Group, the 164-foot Tsumat was built by Trinity in 2012 and refit last year, according to its listing.

The exterior was designed by Geoff Van Aller. The interior by Ramón Alonso features leather, suede, marble and walnut, with onyx floors.

There are six staterooms for up to 12 guests and housing for a 10-person crew, the listing said.

Tsumat will be in the water at Ramps 2 and D.

The Nita K II is about 171 feet and was built by Amels in 2004, the listing said. It's priced starting at $23.9 million and presented by Merle Wood & Associates.

A refit in 2021-22 included an overhaul of the main engines and generators, and a 20-year Lloyd's class special survey was completed earlier this year, the listing said.

The interior was designed by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa, and the yacht can accommodate up to 12 people in five staterooms, plus room for 14 crew members in seven cabins, the listing said.

Nita K II will be in the water at Ramp D.

If it tells you anything about the level of luxury aboard the BG Charade, this 157-foot yacht was built by Feadship in 1990 for the late Paul Allen of Microsoft, the listing said. Under Allen, the BG Charade completed three circumnavigations and served as the honeymoon venue for Bill and Melinda Gates.

A technical and cosmetic refit was completed in 2016 and included new generators, rebuilt engines, new teak on the exterior and a complete electrical system update, the listing said.

BG Charade has six cabins for up to 12 guests, plus accommodations for up to 10 crew, the listing said.

The yacht will be in the water at Ramp 7.

Bonus: Talisman C

The epically long — 231.6 feet — and super-luxurious Talisman C, built by Turquoise in 2011, will be shown by Burgess Yachts in the water at Ramps D and E.

What: Palm Beach International Boat Show.

When: Noon to 7 p.m. March 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24.

Where: West Palm Beach waterfront.

Cost: General admission is free for ages 6 and younger with purchase of an adult ticket, $17 for a one-day ticket for ages 6-15, $33 for a one-day ticket for ages 16 and older, and $60 for a two-day adult ticket. VIP experiences start at $390 for a Windward single-day ticket.

Information: pbboatshow.com

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: 10 superyachts at this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show

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CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

World’s largest private mega yacht is heading to Cape Town

The World, the largest privately owned residential mega yacht on earth, will make a stop in Cape Town this month, with South African residents on board.

Also read: Sanctioned oligarch’s R10 billion yacht heading for Cape Town

The World is expected to visit two other ports in South Africa – Mossel Bay and Durban.

According to the Mossel Bay Advertiser and Cruise Arabia.com , The World will travel to six continents in two weeks.

The World is scheduled to arrive at the ports of the Western Cape Province by the end of this month, having completed its journey to Antarctica. The next stop will be Durban, followed by Mozambique, Kenya, and Zanzibar before reaching the Seychelles.

Later, it will travel to Asia, visiting Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Vietnam.

The World’s unique architecture allows its occupants to live on it permanently or temporarily.

Cape {town} Etc discount:  Appreciate the beauty of Cape Town with a 60-minute cruise for R155 (valued at R310). Get it  here .

According to Wikipedia, the ship was evacuated of passengers and non-essential crew in March 2020 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. It will return to service in July 2021.

According to Wikipedia, the ship was the brainchild of Knut Kloster, whose family has a long history in the maritime industry.

Öresundsvarvet built the hull in Landskrona, Sweden, and towed it to Fosen Mekaniske Verksted in Rissa, Norway, for completion.

The World was founded in March 2002 and bought by its residents in October 2003.

It also set a world record on January 28, 2017, for being the southernmost ship, which was later surpassed by the icebreaker Laura Bassi in February 2023.

This was accomplished by her captain, the 63 residents on board at the time, as well as crew members.

The ship arrived at 78°43•997’S and 163°41 421 W at the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea.

It has 165 residences, including 106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios, all owned by ship residents.

It is run by an elected board of directors.

Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings  here .

It has everything a cruise ship has, including a massive lobby, a deck with a mini-shopping mall, a fitness centre, a golf simulator, an impressive tennis court, a running track, a swimming pool, a library, and, of course, cocktail lounges for the nightlife.

The Cape is a popular tourist destination because some of its residents are South African.

In a recent media interview, The World’s spokesperson stated that the vessel had been to South Africa seven times.

She was quoted as saying that while residents visited various towns and ports throughout South Africa, they would be able to appreciate its beauty by visiting historical sites and venues.

A South African resident told the Mossel Bay Advertiser that he chose to live on such a vessel because it allowed them to travel to new places each year.

Also read: 

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race comes to Cape Town

Picture:  Wikipedia

Article written by Murray Swart

CapeTownETC

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The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

Besides the debut of smaller vessels, more than 60 yachts over 100 feet will be at palm beach this week. it promises to be a banner event., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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For superyacht shoppers, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, kicking off its four-day run this week, is set to break records with more than 60 yachts over 100 feet long on display. Last year was also a banner year for superyachts at the show. 

Headliners will include the likes of the 295-foot Corsair Nero ,  the 278-foot Victorious by AKYacht, the 230-foot Turquoise-built Talisman C , and 213-foot Benetti Triumph among brokerage yachts, and in new yachts, the 113-foot Ocean Alexander Puro 35 is making its world debut.  

There are so many gleaming white vessels over 100 feet, in fact, that the fleet will be split between the Palm Harbor Marina at the main show site on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront and the Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina two miles north. 

Now in its 42nd year, PBIBS will also showcase hundreds of models of dayboats, cruisers, and fishing boats, as well as marine accessories. Running from this Thursday through Sunday, the show coincides with the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art show, a fortuitous opportunity for yacht owners wanting to add new art to their collections.

Here are 10 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Corsair Yachts ‘Nero’

The undisputed star of this year’s Palm Beach show? That would be the 295-foot, classically styled superyacht Nero , built in 2007 and inspired by American financier J.P. Morgan’s legendary 1930s steamer Corsair IV . Nero ‘s attendance at PBIBS marks its return to the charter market after an extensive refit in 2021. Now better than new, the boat is being managed by Burgess. With weekly charter rates from $497,000, the vessel offers five-star accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, with pampering from a crew of 20. Part of the refit included a full interior refresh by Italian interior designer Laura Pomponi, plus a major focus on wellness. That meant the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gym and spa, the assistance of a certified onboard trainer, a masseuse and beautician. After PBIBS, Nero will spend the winter in the Caribbean before returning to the Med for the summer season.

Ocean Alexander Puro 35P

Ocean Alexander is debuting the first of its new Puro superyacht series at PBIBS. The 113-foot Puro 35P comes from the drawing board of Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and is a step back from the polarizing lines of OA’s recent Revolution and Explorer series with their bold, vertical bow designs. Aimed at long-distance cruising, the 35P can carry over 5,000 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin 2,000 hp MAN V12s for a 24-knot top speed. Twin 55kW Kohler generators can also keep the yacht powered at anchor for long periods. Other standout features include extensive glazing in the chiseled fiberglass hull, a forward deck plunge pool, and spacious accommodations for 10 guests. 

Think of it as the “starter” Sirena. Aimed at a younger demographic, the Turkish builder’s brand-new Sirena 48 is making its U.S. debut at PBIBS after a global reveal at last fall’s Cannes boat show. Such is its appeal that 27 hulls have already been sold, with 13 of the orders coming from North America. Looking like a scaled-down version of Sirena’s popular 58, its distinctive, trawler-style lines are from Argentinian designer Germán Frers. With more interior space than a typical 48-footer, the yacht offers three staterooms—plus a crew cabin—a spacious, light-filled salon, a large cockpit, an oversized flybridge, and a vast forward social area. Take your pick from twin 550 hp Cummins QSB, or 670 hp Volvo D11 turbo diesels. Or the builder is also offering hybrid power with twin 285 hp electric motors charged up by variable-speed generators that are good for a 30-mile battery-only range.

Feadship ‘Olympus’

Picture purchasing a classic 180-foot Feadship superyacht, and then getting a $10 million bill for a major refit. That was the case with Olympus , built by the Dutch masters at Feadship in 1996 to a design by Britain’s Andrew Winch and the celebrated naval architect Frits De Voogt. Sold in 2022, the new owner sent it to the Monaco Marine refit center in La Ciotat, France for a major makeover. It included overhauling the 2,600 hp Caterpillar engines and generators, repairs to the structure, substantial upgrades to the guest areas and crew quarters, and new paint throughout. With the work completed just last year, the vessel is said to be in mint condition. Offered jointly by brokers Fraser and Edmiston, Olympus has an asking price of $28.5 million. With accommodations for 16 guests in eight cabins, the boat’s highlights include two primary suites, tropical-spec air conditioning, and Palm Beach-chic decor.

Benetti ‘Triumph’

Italian yachting powerhouse Benetti is showing off its superyacht-building skills with the 213-foot Triumph . Delivered in 2021, this Giorgio M. Cassetta-designed steel-and-aluminum world girder features six decks, a 1,400-square-foot primary suite with outdoor terrace and adjoining lounge, a 750-square-foot beach club, and a touch-and-go helipad. What sets Triumph apart, however, is its lavish interior furnishings put together by the owner along with Benetti Interior Style and Monaco-based Green & Mingarelli Design. It includes pieces by French glassmaker Lalique, marble from Marfil, Statuario and Armani, furs, silk and wool carpets, plus a collection of cool black-and-white wildlife photographs by British fine art photographer David Yarrow. The pièce de résistance? That would be the owner’s Triumph Bonneville motorcycle displayed in the salon.

Fjord 39 XP/XL

Germany’s Fjord Yachts, part of the Hanse Group, has a new 39-foot day boat that it’s unveiling at the Palm Beach show. The 39 XP and XL keep all the bold design cues of the bigger Fjord 41 XP and XL, like a big, open cockpit, walkaround center console, vertical bow, mile-high windshield and stretched hardtop. As for the differences between the XP and XL, it’s all about power. The XL comes with a choice of twin 320hp Volvo D4 diesels, or bigger 440 hp D6 versions, both with Volvo stern drives. Likely more appealing to U.S. buyers will be the XP powered by twin 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards giving a 50-knot top speed. Pricing starts at around $500,000.

Turquoise ‘Talisman C’

Chandeliers don’t come more dramatic than this. Cascading down the central spiral staircase of the Turkish-built, 231-foot superyacht Talisman C , this jaw-dropping piece of art comprises an array of multi-colored glass balls threaded on stainless-steel rods and illuminated by hanging fiber-optic strands. It’s the creation of Prague-based Crystal Caviar and is one of a number of glass installations on this sleek, low-profile superyacht. Built in 2011 by the Proteksan Turquoise shipyard, Talisman C was designed inside and out by London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, with naval architecture by Italy’s Hydro Tec. With cabins for 12 guests, one of its highlights is a huge primary suite, which boasts more crystal chandeliers and a private library. Twin 2,447 hp Caterpillar diesels give a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. It’s listed with Burgess for $59.9 million. 

Sanlorenzo 44 ‘Kamakasa’

Delivered in 2020 and sold to a new buyer just last August, the 146-foot Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy Kamakasa will be for sale at PBIBS. The asking price, through the Italian Yacht Group, is $23.75 million. Lack of use might also be the issue here; the yacht’s twin 2,600 hp MTU V16 diesels have a mere 289 hours on the clock. Built in aluminum to a design by Rome-based Zuccon International Project, Kamakasa was the second hull in the Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy series. One of the top features is a primary suite that spans three levels and almost 1,600 square feet; it also comes with a private Jacuzzi, separate bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a private study. The yacht’s lightweight construction and MTU power combine to deliver an impressive 20-knot top speed.

Bahama 41 GT2

As ultimate, reel-’em-in, fishing center consoles go, the Bahama 41 from West Palm Beach-based Bahama Boat Works is as hard-core as they come. But when owners kept asking for a little more comfort for the family, the builder responded. The result is the brand-new flagship 41 GT debuting at PBIBS. While the proven, wave-slicing hull stays the same, the cockpit layout is new. In place of the single bench seat, there are now three-across bucket seats with a second row behind. The wider console now has space for a pair of 22-inch Garmin screens, while the new extended hardtop features sun shades and even a rain shower. Outboard choices stay the same with either twin Mercury V12 600s, or four 400 hp Mercury V10s, good for a 65-knot-plus top speed. Pricing is from around $920,000.

Heesen ‘Book Ends’

Launched in 2022, this 164-foot Heesen is part of the Book Ends collection, owned by an American couple who have had more than 18 yachts with the same name. The exterior design of this Heesen was by Omega Architects, while Dutch studio Van Oossanen did the naval architecture. The yacht is part of Heesen’s fast cruising series, which is more efficient than other vessels its size, and can reach 23 knots at full speed with its MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht is listed through Ocean Independence for 42 million Euro, or about $45.7 million.

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Crafts Retailer Joann Files for Bankruptcy

After a pandemic-era boom in sales, Joann has been dealing with a pullback in consumer spending on at-home projects. The retailer will become a private company owned by a group of its creditors.

By J. Edward Moreno

Joann, the arts-and-crafts retailer that has operated for more than 80 years, has filed for bankruptcy as consumers pare back on D.I.Y. projects, leaving the company with mounting debt.

The chain, which is based in Hudson, Ohio, said in a statement on Monday that it had struck a deal with its lenders for a $132 million cash injection to help reduce its debt by $505 million, a process that will result in the retailer, which is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, being taken into private ownership. Its filing listed liabilities of $1 billion to $10 billion, and assets of $500 million to $1 billion.

Joann, whose outlets were once called Jo-Ann Fabrics, said its stores, roughly 800 nationwide, would continue to operate as it closes the deal, which is expected as early as next month.

The retailer, which sells yarn, fabrics and home goods, has been coming down from a short-lived sales boom during the pandemic lockdowns when there was a frenzy in consumers spending on at-home projects. But that has faded in the past two years, with consumers pulling back on discretionary spending as inflation remains relatively high, which has challenged the retail sector at large.

Joann’s shares will be delisted after its bankruptcy proceedings, and the company will be owned by its lenders and other stakeholders.

In its most recent quarterly earnings report in December, Joann reported a dip in sales, which its executives attributed to a challenging retail environment. The company’s competitors, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby, are both privately owned, so it is unclear how they have performed amid those economic headwinds.

The private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners bought Joann for roughly $1.6 billion in 2011, and spun it off publicly in 2021. Joann’s stock price initially climbed, but it began to tumble a few months later, and now trades for about 20 cents a share.

Joann owes about $12 million to Spinrite, a craft yarn supplier, its largest unsecured creditor. It owes millions more to other yarn and fabric providers, as well as FedEx and the commercial real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle.

J. Edward Moreno is a business reporter at The Times. More about J. Edward Moreno

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How the Top Oil Trader’s Brazen Corruption Was Caught on Tape

The landmark trial of a former Vitol trader has shone an unprecedented light on wrongdoing in the global commodity trading industry.

By Jack Farchy , Maria Clara Cobo and Patricia Hurtado

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Lea la nota en español.

To an outside observer it looked like any other business lunch. Three middle-aged men in shirtsleeves were chatting casually in Spanish over plates of guacamole, chicharrón and enchiladas.

But the subject of this conversation, in a bustling restaurant in the Marriott Marquis hotel in Houston, was anything but ordinary: the three men were discussing how to keep the money flowing for a massive international bribery scheme.

It was early March 2020 and Javier Aguilar, a boyish 46-year-old in a striped shirt, was trying to explain why there had been a holdup in the flow of cash for payoffs.

His employer Vitol Group, the world’s largest oil trader, was growing cautious because of a series of criminal investigations scrutinizing their industry, he said. The networks of offshore companies they’d been using to funnel bribe payments would need to be shut down and replaced.

“All this is getting more complicated,” said one of his lunch companions.

“Not impossible. Just more complicated,” Aguilar replied. He laughed as he recounted a story from the 1970s, when narcos could fly into Switzerland on private jets full of cash.

“It could be unloaded, nobody asked or said anything,” he said. “Así se hacía güey” — that’s how it was done, dude.

What Aguilar did not realize was that his every word was being monitored by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The two men he was eating with — Ecuadorian brothers Antonio and Enrique Peré — were secretly cooperating with the US government, and Enrique had filmed the entire encounter on a device hidden in his watch.

Four years later, the Peré brothers would be the star witnesses testifying against Aguilar in a landmark trial that has shone an unprecedented light on corruption in the commodity trading industry.

It’s a world that has been known for backhanders and brown envelopes since the days of Marc Rich, the infamous godfather of the industry. But the Aguilar trial brought to life the inner workings of a modern-day bribery scheme in more detail than ever before, with testimony from corrupt government officials, spreadsheets showing how the money was divvied up, and more than a dozen secretly recorded tapes.

On Feb. 23, Aguilar was found guilty on three bribery and money-laundering charges after just six hours of deliberation by a jury. The crimes carry a maximum sentence of 30 years, making him one of the first commodity traders ever to face meaningful prison time for corruption. (Aguilar’s lawyers, who argued that he was an unwitting participant in a scheme masterminded by others, have said he will appeal the verdict.)

But the revelations of the trial stretched far beyond Javier Aguilar and Vitol, as witness after witness described a frenzied period of corruption in Ecuador that extended across the oil trading industry. On the very first day, a former Ecuadorian official stated flatly that he had been bribed not just by Vitol, but also by Trafigura Group and Gunvor Group — together, three of the four largest independent oil traders. (The other member of the quartet, Glencore Plc, has not been accused of wrongdoing in Ecuador but in 2022 pleaded guilty to separate charges of corruption in eight other countries.)

The testimony painted a picture of an industry which has continued to write its own rules even as its largest companies have become so crucial to energy security that governments from Germany to Saudi Arabia are helping to finance them. The traders operate with little regulation or oversight, and yet Vitol alone is a behemoth of global commerce, with sales of $505 billion in 2022 that made it the fifth-largest company in the world by revenue — behind only Walmart Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Saudi Aramco and China’s state grid.

On the losing side was Ecuador, fed on by commodity traders and corrupt officials who siphoned off hundreds of millions and possibly billions of dollars from a country where a quarter of the population lives in poverty.

At one point Antonio Peré was asked if he had ever helped a client with government business without paying a bribe to a government official. “I’m not sure,” he replied. “I cannot recall one.”

Javier Aguilar did not look like a criminal mastermind.

Short, pudgy, with a shock of black hair, the Mexican chemical engineer had been a relatively junior trader at Vitol in London when, aged about 40, he was offered a role that could make his career: a move to Houston, one of the main hubs of the global energy industry, where he was tasked with finding and signing new oil trading deals to grow the company’s business in Latin America.

Vitol’s US headquarters was a temple to making money. A few years after Aguilar arrived, a giant artwork was installed on a balcony overlooking the trading floor that featured dozens of oversized banknotes — dollars, euros, pounds, pesos. It was called Cash Flow.

At that point in time, the mid-2010s, the premier playground for any oil trader looking for action in Latin America was Ecuador.

The country is a mid-sized oil producer, pumping about 500,000 barrels a day. But under the presidency of left-wing firebrand Rafael Correa it was desperate for cash.

In the commodity trading industry, oil and desperation are a famously profitable combination, and the capitalist traders had no qualms about propping up a socialist government. Correa had vowed to cut middlemen out of Ecuador’s oil sales, but Trafigura, Gunvor and others found a way around the policy — Ecuador’s state oil company Petroecuador could award contracts without the usual tender process, as long as the company on the other side of the deal was also state owned.

A former Petroecuador official described in court how Trafigura and Gunvor began using national oil companies from China, Thailand and Uruguay as fronts to steer favorable oil contracts their way, earning hundreds of millions of dollars of profits in the process.

Vitol was growing frustrated. As the industry’s biggest company, its sprawling business handles enough oil every day to supply Germany, France, Italy and Spain combined. But in Ecuador it found itself on the sidelines while rivals snapped up lucrative deals.

Aguilar set out to change that. And the man he turned to, one day in mid-2015, was Antonio Peré. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s lively port city, Peré had worked for the Ecuadorian government before becoming a consultant and settling in Miami.

By the time he met Aguilar, Peré and his brother Enrique had set themselves up as a one-stop shop for oil traders looking to do business in Ecuador. In practice, they were a clearinghouse for bribes to Ecuadorian government officials.

Antonio, then 50, was gregarious with a salt-and-pepper goatee and a self-deprecating wit (his FBI codename was Leonardo — “like Leonardo DiCaprio, but fat and old,” he told the court) and handled the brothers’ key relationships with officials and traders. Enrique, bald, stocky and taciturn, took care of the bookkeeping, meticulously calculating who was owed what.

The Perés knew where to direct the bribes. Nilsen Arias, the head of international trading at Petroecuador, would later testify that he received bribes via the brothers to select Vitol for the deal, negotiate the terms and finalize the contract.

And the Perés knew exactly how to use a state-owned company as a front to get a good deal because they had already helped Trafigura and Gunvor do just that.

Could Vitol suggest a state firm that could be used as a front in a deal with Ecuador, Antonio asked? Aguilar had the answer: the trading unit of Oman’s state oil company, which Vitol had helped to set up.

And so one day in December 2016, the presidential plane of Ecuador touched down in Dubai. The minister of finance and the chief executive officer of Petroecuador had arrived to sign a contract to sell 17.1 million barrels of fuel oil to Oman, in exchange for an upfront payment (effectively a loan) of $300 million.

A photo taken to commemorate the occasion shows the Ecuadorian officials in a conference room together with the CEO of Oman Trading International.

There was no one from Vitol in the photo. But, according to the testimony in court, it was Vitol that would supply the $300 million, Vitol that would take delivery of the fuel oil, and Vitol that would see the profits.

The entire contract had been stage-managed by Javier Aguilar and Antonio Peré.

There’s no suggestion that Oman Trading International, its executives or its employees were involved in any wrongdoing. In response to requests for comment, a spokesperson said: “OQ Trading (formerly Oman Trading International) has at all times acted in accordance with applicable law (including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) regarding the Petroecuador contract. OQT was neither a party to this legal case nor involved in any illegal activity.”

Ever since the nationalizations of the oil industries in the Middle East and South America in the 1970s, the trade in energy has been lubricated by bribes and kickbacks. Poorly paid government officials with the power to award contracts worth billions of dollars were easily tempted, and commodity traders were often all too happy to supply the temptation.

Marc Rich, the founder of the company that is today Glencore, was candid about it. “The bribes were paid in order to be able to do the business,” he told his biographer, Daniel Ammann, in response to reports that he had paid off government officials in Iran and Nigeria to win oil deals.

Foreign bribery was eventually outlawed even in countries like Switzerland that had for many years looked the other way, and today’s companies have sought to distance themselves from the industry’s tainted past. When asked by journalists, Vitol would repeat that it had a “zero tolerance policy in respect of bribery and corruption.”

But the trial of Javier Aguilar showed how modern-day traders had simply updated Marc Rich’s approach for the 21st Century. By adding more intermediary layers between corrupt traders and corrupt government officials, the industry has fueled a thriving underbelly of “consultants” and “brokers” with bank accounts in opaque offshore jurisdictions.

“In our country, in that area, it was common knowledge that in order to do business with the government, most of the time you had to pay bribes,” Antonio Peré said.

While Aguilar and the Perés jetted between Houston, Miami and cities in Ecuador, their money was handled from a one-room office on the sleepy Caribbean island of Curacao by a man named Lionel Hanst.

Hanst, now 62, was far removed from the high-flying world of Aguilar and the Perés. When he wasn’t around, they would joke about his naivety, his high blood pressure and his drinking. “He is just merely a tool, dude,” Aguilar told Antonio Peré in a phone call recorded by the US government.

Curacao born and raised, Hanst, had previously worked for other international oil traders including Addax and Mercuria. Now, from a room he rented from his brother (who has not been implicated in these matters) Hanst set up shell companies that would redistribute Vitol’s money to more than a dozen other intermediaries.

From Curacao, the money was sent to the Perés who would use it to pay Ecuadorian officials. To give the flow of money a veneer of respectability, Vitol signed fake brokerage contracts with Hanst’s companies and Hanst issued fake invoices.

Aguilar later described to the Peré brothers how he had been introduced to Hanst by a Vitol colleague who had previously worked with him at Addax. (That colleague, Marc Ducrest, has been described by US prosecutors as a co-conspirator in the scheme but hasn’t been charged with any crime. Ducrest has declined to comment on the case.)

“The person on an island,” Aguilar recalled. “It all sounded to me like, like very ... very James Bond, right?”

If the subterfuge gave Aguilar any pause, he didn’t show it. In fact, he appeared to relish the drama, setting up two email accounts to communicate with Hanst and the Perés with pseudonyms that referenced James Bond’s “007” codename: “[email protected]” and “[email protected].”

The men communicated in code and referred to each other by nicknames. Aguilar, originally Mexican but based in Texas, was “TexMex.” Antonio Peré was “Tuco.” Enrique, thought to look like Bruce Willis, was “Bruce.” Arias was “El Gordo” – the fat one.

Sometimes their pseudo-spycraft veered towards the absurd: they referred to Switzerland as the “country of cheese.” Rather than naming Vitol’s competitors Trafigura and Glencore, they talked of “the T and the G.”

But the money was no joke. Hanst took a cut of 5% of all the cash that flowed through his shell companies. Aguilar himself received kickbacks from Hanst to his personal accounts that totalled more than $600,000. That was small change compared to the value of his shares in Vitol, a partnership owned by a few hundred employees, which swelled to more than $75 million by 2020.

It was not just Ecuadorian officials that Vitol bribed via Hanst. He sent money to another middleman who handed it over, sometimes in a Houston parking lot, to employees of Mexico’s state oil company Pemex, who messaged each other excitedly about deliveries of “candies.” A Venezuelan intermediary paid bribes on Vitol’s behalf to a top official at Citgo, the US refinery group owned by Venezuela’s state oil company, according to the US case against Hanst .

And it was not just Vitol that was bribing Ecuadorian officials. When Nilsen Arias, the Petroecuador trading manager, was asked in court to name other companies he took bribes from, he rattled off a list that read like a who’s who of the global oil trading industry: Trafigura, Petredec, Sargeant Marine, Gunvor and Noble Americas.

Gunvor and Sargeant Marine have admitted to bribery charges in Ecuador. A Trafigura spokesperson said the company was "not a party" to the case against Aguilar, declining to comment further. Noble declined to comment, while Petredec didn't respond to requests for comment.

Arias himself received a total of $13.5 million in bribes from various traders. That included an 18-carat gold Patek Philippe watch, which was a bribe from Gunvor, while Vitol’s money paid a 120,000 euro interior designer’s bill for his house in Portugal, the cost of installing new marble floors and redecorating its four bathrooms.

He and Antonio Peré also named Ecuadorian officials who had taken bribes including the deputy finance minister and the chief of staff of the president. (The two men were both charged as part of a series of anti-corruption cases in Ecuador in recent years.)

But it was the Perés who made the fattest margins. Of the roughly $100 million they admitted receiving from oil traders seeking business in Ecuador, the brothers kept about half for themselves.

It’s hard to quantify exactly how much the government of Ecuador lost as a result, but the profits generated by the traders add up to many hundreds of millions. An investigation by the Ecuadorian parliament in 2022 estimated that one set of Petroecuador oil deals had cost the country $4.8 billion.

By 2019 the men were basking in their success. Antonio Peré had bought himself a 65-foot yacht; Arias had splashed out on a $165,000 Porsche.

The fuel oil contract between Petroecuador and Oman was ending, but Antonio was confident they would be able to renew it.

“We are still very far away,” Aguilar cautioned in a WhatsApp message in July 2019.

“But we are going to reach the goal,” Antonio replied.

That would turn out to be hubris. Even as he typed those words, the FBI was closing in. Soon, the entire bribe scheme would come crashing down.

In August 2019, agents raided Antonio Peré’s offices in the affluent Miami suburb of Coral Gables. What they found laid bare the Perés’ role at the heart of a vast web of corrupt oil traders and Ecuadorian officials: a trove of notes and documents, including spreadsheets detailing how bribe payments on behalf of different commodity traders would be divvied up.

Enrique Peré panicked, flying to Spain. But within weeks both Peré brothers had agreed to cooperate with the US government. And so the FBI began to listen to the Perés’ phone calls. The brothers recorded numerous conversations with Aguilar, as well as Arias — who by then had left his role at Petroecuador — and three traders at Gunvor.

Through the first half of 2020, the net began to tighten. A separate investigation into corruption in Brazil had targeted several large commodity houses, including Vitol, Trafigura and Glencore, and traders were getting nervous.

“Be very careful about doing, even sitting down to talk business, anything you do… Do it outside, for God’s sake!” Arias implored in a January 2020 phone call that was, ironically, recorded by the Perés.

Aguilar himself was becoming increasingly preoccupied with how to avoid scrutiny. On one call with Antonio, he explained he’d started carrying a second, personal phone to skirt Vitol’s compliance checks.

“Internally, they become more schizophrenic, dude,” Aguilar said. “Some people have strongly recommended us to try not to use… say the computer or the office phone, for certain things.”

Within Vitol, tensions were rising. The company was dragging its feet on making the agreed payments, and Aguilar was fielding regular requests from Antonio Peré and others.

In March, the situation still hadn’t been resolved, and Aguilar met the Perés for lunch in Houston. What he didn’t know was that two FBI agents were waiting nearby as Enrique secretly filmed the encounter. Vitol didn’t think government investigators had any evidence against it, Aguilar said, but was shutting down all its existing structures as a precaution. After that, money would be paid from a new structure, he said.

On July 10, 2020, Javier Aguilar touched down in Houston at 8 a.m., stepping off an early morning flight from Mexico City into an airport that was still nearly deserted thanks to the pandemic. As he headed through customs towards the exit, a man stepped towards him with a badge.

“My name is Paul Zukas with the FBI,” the man said, ushering Aguilar into a windowless room. He was shown a photograph of his lunch meeting in Houston with the Peré brothers. Later that day, a warrant was filed for his arrest.

As it turned out, the US government did have plentiful evidence against Vitol. In December 2020, the company signed a deferred prosecution agreement, paying $164 million after admitting that it had bribed officials in Ecuador, Mexico and Brazil over a period of 15 years. In response to a request for comment for this story, the company referred back to a statement made at the time by CEO Russell Hardy that Vitol "is committed to upholding the law and does not tolerate corruption or illegal business practices."

The Perés, Hanst and Arias all pleaded guilty, as did Gunvor, which this month agreed to pay $662 million to resolve US and Swiss charges of bribery in Ecuador. “Gunvor made mistakes at the time, for which we are sorry and that we have worked diligently to fix,” Chairman Torbjörn Törnqvist said in a statement.

Aguilar himself, now 50 years old, faces up to 30 years in prison, though the sentence is likely to be significantly less than that maximum. He is also due to stand trial in a separate case in Houston on charges of bribery in Mexico.

Should his appeal fail, he’ll be the first commodity trader in a generation to go to prison for corruption. But he may not be the last. Former traders at Glencore and Gunvor have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, while there are separate cases and investigations in the UK and Switzerland targeting former senior executives at Glencore and Trafigura.

It’s too early to say whether the cases will fundamentally change anything about the way the commodity traders function, or the level of corruption in oil-rich countries like Ecuador.

Adrià Budry Carbó, an investigator at Swiss NGO Public Eye who has written extensively about the trading industry, points out that four of the five giant oil traders based in Switzerland have been involved in current or very recent corruption cases. “This is a very strong signal that there is something wrong with this industry,” he says.

The wiretapped conversations between Aguilar and the Perés suggested that bribery schemes were part of the standard operating procedure for Vitol. On various occasions Aguilar referred to other “vehicles” elsewhere that were akin to Hanst’s companies. “Let me see if there is a ‘Lionel’ over there with whom I could put you in touch,” he offered the Perés at one point.

The money for Hanst was wired from a Vitol bank account in London, by staff in Vitol’s office in Geneva. Such transfers — which bypassed the company’s normal systems — could only happen with the approval of Vitol’s accounts team.

Vitol and the other traders have reacted by overhauling their internal procedures, hiring large teams of compliance officers and opening hotlines for whistleblowers. Glencore has spent the past year with two Department of Justice-appointed lawyers assessing the effectiveness of its anti-corruption program. At Vitol, it’s no longer possible to make payments outside the company’s compliance system, no matter how senior you are.

Several large traders, including Trafigura and Gunvor, say they’ve ended the use of third-party agents to win business — that is, consultants like the Perés whose official role is to score deals in challenging parts of the world, but who represent a high risk of corruption.

Vitol, however, still uses agents, an executive testified in court. (A Vitol spokesperson said that "on occasion and within the proper framework, the use of intermediaries may be appropriate.")

And in unguarded moments, traders from across the industry still tell stories of government officials finding ways to ask for backhanders. Yet the deals somehow still get done.

The US is declaring victory. “We’ve transformed the energy trading industry,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri said in a speech earlier this month. But others are not convinced.

“When the first allegations arrived they all claimed they had done nothing wrong; when there was an investigation going on they said they couldn’t comment; and then when it is over they say the allegations are old and the company has changed,” says Budry Carbó. “The only thing that is changing is the level of sophistication of the schemes.”

With assistance by Stephan Kueffner and Anthony Di Paola Edited by Liezel Hill Produced by Eugene Reznik

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The world’s largest private residential yacht: A journey of health and wellness

It is easy to live well on board the 196-metre The World , Residences at Sea . The entire vessel has been curated around providing its residents with not just means to explore the world in luxury, but to align their health and wellness goals with the wonder of non-stop, global exploration – all from the comfort of their own home at sea.

The international community of residents share many common interests, particularly travel and fitness, and the range of facilities and activities reflect this. There are so many options, residents have the choice to learn something new or perfect what they already know. Life on board The World is invigorating to say the least, and here are just some of the ways the world’s largest privately-owned residential yacht supports its community’s quest for wellness.

The Fitness Center

Hailed as one of the most popular areas on the vessel, it seems apt that any resident’s first stop should be to the Fitness Center, open 24/7. To start the day feeling energised after a good night’s sleep, there are Pilates and yoga classes instructed by The World ’s professional trainers. The classes are catered to all levels, and great care is taken in ensuring that the wide range of equipment, studios, routines, atmosphere and refreshments are of the highest quality and suitable for all.

The World holds the title for the only regulation-sized tennis court at sea, which is also perfect for cricket matches and basketball games. Plus, there’s always the yacht’s personal trainers around to fashion a custom-made routine for any resident who enjoys coaching or independent workouts.

To wind down and iron out any areas of tension, there’s a qualified team of experienced massage therapists and physiotherapists on hand. These physios work directly with The World ’s onboard doctors and fitness instructors for various treatments and therapeutic rehabilitation. If a resident requires a physiotherapy programme, it is personalised to reflect the resident’s wellbeing, diet and lifestyle.

Shoreside fitness

Myriad activities are available to residents and guests when the ship is in port to support their wellness journey while exploring the most amazing destinations on earth. Fitness regimes are anything but routine for those who opt to explore the local towns by foot, like a walking tour of the World Heritage Site of Marrakech. Others may prefer to discover the area by bike with a cycling tour through Vancouver’s natural landscapes or hike Athens’ ruins to stay fit.

The food and beverage team

Extraordinary culinary experiences are an essential part of life on board The World . While residents can cook at home with ingredients from the onboard gourmet marketplace, purchased during a fun outing to a local farmers market, or with a private chef, the vessel’s six restaurants provide an endless array of eating options. The World ’s chefs go above and beyond to create five-star menus with healthy choices including fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Embracing the distinct flavours of the destination through food and wine further enhances the cultural experience.

The vessel’s four main restaurants specialise in eclectic Asian cuisine, steaks and seafood, Michelin-star level fine dining and Mediterranean flavours. For those seeking the perfect beverage, residents can find numerous cocktail lounges and bars across the vessel. Plus, there’s an extensive and award-winning wine and sake list of over 1,200 wines hand-picked from 20 countries. All this is stored in The World ’s impressive wine cellar that holds over 16,000 bottles.

With so much spectacular food and drink to choose from, The World ’s food and beverage team can tailor a meal programme that supports a resident’s nutritional goals regardless of where on the ship the meal is enjoyed or wherever the vessel happens to be sailing the globe.

The World Spa

Taking over a huge 2,133 square metres of space on board the yacht, The World Spa offers the ultimate menu of skincare, hair and body treatments to enhance the residents’ health and wellness programme. Unique offerings include multi-wave LED light therapy for anti-ageing and pain management, an innovative Vichy bed for enhanced full-body hammam treatments, NanoVi® human cell repair therapy, CACI non-surgical facelift system, Zerona Z6 non-invasive laser and more.

A dip in the yacht’s two swimming pools is always an option for residents. For those who would prefer to stay feeling serene and relaxed, the Cleopatra Heated Beds come with a zero-gravity effect and apply heat therapy similar to a hot stone massage.

Hobbies and activities

Even for the most well-travelled and cultured of residents, there are still new things to try. Whether it be food, drink, sports or cultural activities, The World has all the facilities, equipment and expert trainers on hand to make it easy to try something new.

While some residents are a dab-hand at golf, others plan to improve their game. The onboard pros are ready to teach, either in a private lesson or offering expert input at the simulator. For a more relaxed session, there’s the golf putting greens, chipping areas and a driving range. Other energizing activities include paddleboard, SCUBA diving like to Saipan’s limestone Grotto or snorkelling adventures to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

A small selection of homes on board The World, Residences at Sea are available for resale every year. To learn more about ownership opportunities and the unique residential lifestyle of this one-of-a-kind mega yacht, contact The World ’s Residential Advisor by calling +1 954 538 8449 / +44 20 7 572 1231 or clicking here. For more information visit aboardtheworld.com .

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